Gina Nespoli
Published: November 8, 2006
A deaf woman and her interpreter slowly walk from booth-to-booth looking and patiently waiting. Her interpreter signs something to the woman; she nods. They pick up brochure after brochure, stopping and signing to each other with ease. Understanding the opportunities awaiting her, the woman signs to the interpreter; in turn, the interpreter asks questions to the people behind the booths.
This woman was just one of the many students, faculty and community members who attended the Volunteer Fair, held on Nov. 1 outside the Student Center.
In between class hours the traffic coming through the Volunteer Fair boomed. Students ran by picking up pamphlets, briefly asking questions and clumsily knocking into things, stirring up the overall atmosphere of the event. In the uproar of all the attendees, the free barbecued hamburgers were barely noticed.
Volunteers representing the organizations provided handouts explaining the purpose of a particular organization. Many opportunities were available to students and faculty for different volunteer and leadership activities.
Volunteer Escambia is one of the many volunteer organizations at the fair. The organization’s purpose is to help people find opportunities to help the ‘easy way’.
Tracy James, volunteer director for Volunteer Escambia, said, “We are kind of like matchmaker. Once you have put a profile up it says ‘you have been matched with this organization’ and so on.”
James was handing out yo-yos as an eye catcher for students; on back of the yo-yo it said, “It comes back to you,” which represented the experience of volunteering coming “back to you.”
The Ronald McDonald House was also there to promote active volunteering. The Ronald McDonald House was established to aid families whose children have health problems and aren’t able to provide a stable family environment.
Carey Livingstone, volunteer service manager for the Ronald McDonald House, said, “No, we are not affiliated with McDonald’s. We are our own organization, but McDonald’s supports us.”
Emily Mahood, PJC outreach and community services coordinator, had a booth set up to spread rape risk awareness, which has been the soul of her latest discussions in the Student Center (check Events Calendar on ecorsair.com for upcoming presentations). As the community service coordinator, Mahood works regularly with the PJC volunteers.
“A volunteer is someone who is committed to the mission of the organization, is reliable and treats their volunteer position as a job,” Mahood said. “Also, someone who is enthusiastic about being a volunteer and about life.”
Georgia Beliech, student ambassador and member of Phi Theta Kappa, said, “She [Emily] travels to different clubs discussing the importance of rape reduction, anti-smoking and anti-drinking. She recently came to a club I’m in and discussed rape reduction.”
“I wish she would return to talk with us,” Beliech said enthusiastically to Mahood.
Guardian Ad Litem representatives showed a colorful presentation board displaying children in healthy living environments. Guardian Ad Litem’s purpose is helping children in unsafe situations manage and develop self-esteem, healthy relationships and ultimately live a better life.
James Turner, senior program attorney for Guardian Ad Litem, said, “Guardian Ad Litem is a second set of eyes to make sure all is going well inside the home. Each volunteer is assigned a case and makes sure all the needs for the child are being met.”
PJC’s broadcast network, WSRE, was also present for this event. Kristen Paisley, membership manager, was discussing what was expected of the volunteers. Paisley emphasized that free food was always available on long hour days inside the studio.
Many of the organizations give academic credit to students who are willing and able to volunteer, such as the Rape Hotline, where volunteers answer phones and help those in rape/crisis situations deal with petrifying memories. Through a Psychology Internship course offered at PJC, students can complete the 30-hour training program required of volunteers as credited course work.
Students do not have to actually volunteer with the Rape Hotline after completing the 2-credit internship course.
“After completing the training program, students then have the option to work for the hotline,” Dr. June Linke, behavioral science department head, said.
Sharelle Cromartie, education major, said the Volunteer Fair was “well organized and had a lot of information.”
A member of several campus clubs, Cromartie said, “Volunteering is a great way to get involved in our community. It shows great teamwork and leadership qualities.”